Climate change

What on earth can small rural communities do to help combat climate change? And why is it important? Well, it’s amazing how many rural communities have romped away with all kinds of initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint. Some startling successes have been achieved – some quite large-scale ventures, but others that are simple, local projects that cumulatively can really make a difference. Many villages have already set up local recycling schemes, put energy saving measures in place in the village hall, or planted community woodlands. Others are keen to get started and learn from their neighbours.

For 2 years, ORCC is working with the Oxford-based organisation ‘ClimateXchange’ to help and encourage those communities that haven’t yet got off the starting blocks. If that sounds like your community, why not give it a go? It doesn’t have to be a major project – after all, everyone has to start somewhere and we’ll be delighted to help you do whatever you want to do. There are lots of great ideas out there – look at the ClimateXchange website climatex.org for inspiration and come and talk to either of us.

One final comment. We firmly believe that environmental sustainability is closely linked to economic and social sustainability – in other words, we’ll all benefit from work, services, and social activities that are close to home. It’s actually what ORCC has been saying for 90 years.